The Conservation Alliance Contributes $800,000 In Grants To 21 Organizations
The Conservation Alliance sent grants totaling $800,000 to 21 organizations working to protect wild places throughout North America.
Gander Outdoors Prepares For Grand Opening In Greenfield, IN
The 45,000-square-foot store will be one of three Gander Outdoor retail locations in Indiana.
Nike Acquires Data Analytics Leader Zodiac
Nike Inc. announced it has acquired Zodiac Inc., a leading consumer data analytics firm based in New York City and Philadelphia, as it accelerates its Consumer Direct Offense strategy to serve consumers faster and more personally at scale.
VF Corp. Receives National Award From The U.S. Association Of Former Members Of Congress
The Corporate Statesmanship Award recognizes outstanding corporate leadership and citizenship, including companies that exemplify service and commitment to improving the lives of others.

Carhartt And ’47 Expand Headwear Collaboration To All MLB Teams
Carhartt announced the expansion of the headwear collaboration and Outwork x Outroot campaign in partnership with ’47 to all MLB teams.
TYR Sport Re-Signs Craig Alexander
TYR Sport announced the re-signing of 3X Ironman and 2X Ironman 70.3 World Champion Craig “Crowie” Alexander to its roster of sponsored athletes.
3N2 Signs Philadelphia Phillies’ Aaron Nola
Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher Aaron Nola signed an endorsement deal with baseball apparel and footwear company 3N2.
Finish Line Sees Q4 EPS At Top End Of Guidance
The Finish Line Inc. pre-announced fourth quarter results that showed earnings coming in ahead of guidance while same-store sales arrived below guidance.

JD Sports Agrees To Acquire The Finish Line
The Finish Line, Inc. announced that it has entered into a merger agreement providing for JD Sports Fashion Plc (JD.L) to acquire 100 percent of the issued and outstanding Finish Line shares at a price of $13.50 per share in cash representing an aggregate deal value of approximately $558 million.

Aisle Talk, Week of March 19
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.

Nike Eyes North American Comeback
Aided by a strong response to new launches such as Nike React and Airmax 270, continued momentum in online sales and early success in pushing for further differentiation at its retail partners, Nike Inc. said its North America business is poised to return to growth mode.

Boardriders CEO: Billabong Won’t Get Another Deal This Good
Two Billabong shareholders are opposed to the $200 million, or $1 per share, acquisition offer from Boardriders, which has jeopardized the potential blockbuster deal and sparked sharp words from Boardriders CEO David Tanner.
Boardriders Reaffirms Billabong Acquisition Is Best Value for Shareholders
Boardriders, Inc., the parent of Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC Shoes brands, reaffirmed that its proposed acquisition of Billabong International Limited is in the best interest of all shareholders.
Li Ning 2017 Sales Climb 11 Percent
Li Ning reported earnings from continuing operations nearly doubled in 2017 on an 11 percent revenue gain.

Outdoor, Footwear, Fashion & Retail Industries Vocalize Opposition to Tariffs
It’s not China that will be punished for stealing American intellectual property but instead U.S. companies and consumers that will feel the effects of President Trump’s move to impose $50 billion in retaliatory tariffs on Chinese imports. That was the message Thursday from numerous trade associations that represent industries whose products might be affected by Thursday’s decision to move forward with the new tariffs.